Coast Guard Rescues 3 Teens From Hillsborough Bay Island

ST. PETERSBURG, FL. —The Coast Guard rescued three teenagers from a manmade island in Hillsborough Bay on Saturday night. The three teens were identified as William Hardy, Reese Riggio and Nick Sweet, all 17.

About 7:30 p.m. Saturday, the Coast Guard in St. Petersburg received a call from Eckerd College Search and Rescue reporting three people were stranded after a 21-foot boat ran aground on a spoil or manmade island.

The Coast Guard issued a broadcast asking for assistance from other boaters in the area. After no response, a Coast Guard boat crew rescued the teenagers and their dog, Colt, and transported them to William’s Park where their parents were waiting. There were no reported injuries.

"The crew was very helpful and they did a great job of keeping us calm," said Nick Sweet. "They were very professional, and loved the dog."

Sweet said he would recommend other boaters always check tide charts before going out on the water.

"We ask boaters to check the weather before leaving the dock," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Alan Moriwaki, a Coast Guard crew member at Station St. Petersburg. "This includes tides, and knowing the limitations of your boat. Even in Florida you can be susceptible to cold weather."